When you decide to pick up a new skill or hobby, there is no doubt that you will want training and lessons to build up your confidence and skill set. And when it comes to sailing, it is no different. Many new sailboat buyers have little experience on the water and want to gain a better understanding prior to taking the plunge into yacht ownership. But the question is, where do you start?
Two of the most recognized sailing education organizations are the American Sailing Association (ASA) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). While both offer training designed to help sailors build their knowledge and experience on the water, there are some important differences between ASA and RYA when it comes to course structure, international recognition and long-term sailing goals.
So, when comparing ASA vs. RYA, which sailing certification is right for you? The answer depends largely on where you plan to sail, whether you intend to sail recreationally or professionally, and the training opportunities available to you.
What Is the Difference Between ASA and RYA?
First and foremost, if you are interested in learning to sail, one of the most important things to determine is who your instructor is, not simply which association has endorsed them. Your first option would be to find out what instructors are offering classes at a location that suits you and then do a little research. You may even find that a school run by an independent outfit suits you best.
The primary difference between ASA and RYA comes down to their respective training systems, geographic presence and the paths available as you advance.
ASA is based in the United States and is particularly popular among recreational sailors in North America. RYA is based in the United Kingdom and offers a broad range of recreational and professional maritime training programs used by sailors around the world.
For someone simply looking to become a safer, more confident recreational sailor, either organization can provide a strong foundation.
ASA vs. RYA Sailing Certification Comparison
| ASA | RYA | |
|---|---|---|
| Based in | United States | United Kingdom |
| Popular in | Particularly popular in the U.S. | Widely used internationally |
| Primary focus | Recreational sailing education | Recreational and professional maritime training |
| Beginner training | Progressive ASA sailing courses | Progressive RYA sailing courses |
| International credentials | Pathways to credentials such as the IPC | Pathways to credentials such as the ICC, where eligible |
| Professional pathway | Primarily recreational | Offers established professional and commercial pathways |
| Best suited for | Recreational sailors, particularly in the U.S. | Recreational and career-focused sailors, particularly those sailing internationally |
Keep in mind that the certification or documentation required to charter a yacht can vary depending on your destination, charter company, vessel and local regulations. Before chartering internationally, always confirm the requirements for your specific destination.
What Is It Like to Learn to Sail With ASA?
When I decided to get my feet wet and learn a thing or two about sailing, I had not done any research on which route would be the best option for me. I had a friend who took her ASA 101, 102 and 104 courses in the BVI, and it sounded like it was an amazing trip. So, I signed myself up!
And let me just say, it was the best way to learn how to sail. Living aboard a yacht in debatably one of the best cruising destinations in the world was second to none! I enjoyed learning the basics, but getting the chance to learn and practice the theories aboard a Beneteau 47 made the experience even better.
ASA vs. RYA for International Sailing and Chartering
For sailors who plan to charter internationally, certification can become particularly important.
ASA offers a progression of courses that can help qualified sailors work toward an International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). RYA training can provide a pathway toward the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for sailors who meet the applicable requirements.
Both credentials can be useful when chartering internationally, but requirements vary considerably by destination. Not all countries require formal certification to charter, while others may require specific documentation or proof of sailing experience. Individual charter companies can also establish their own requirements.
Because of this, sailors planning an international charter should check the requirements for both the destination and charter company before departing.
Is RYA or ASA More Recognized Internationally?
The RYA, based in the UK, is widely known and has a strong international presence. In the United States, ASA is particularly well known among recreational sailors and sailing schools.
RYA specializes in training across a variety of maritime activities, including sailing, yacht cruising and motor cruising, and also provides pathways into professional maritime qualifications. ASA’s training system is primarily focused on recreational sailing.
Your location can therefore play a role in determining which organization makes the most sense. If there is an excellent ASA school nearby with an experienced instructor, that may be the right option. Likewise, sailors who have convenient access to an RYA training center may prefer the RYA pathway.
Can ASA or RYA Be Used for Commercial Sailing?
One of the more significant differences between ASA and RYA is the pathway available for sailors interested in professional or commercial qualifications.
RYA offers training pathways that can lead toward qualifications eligible for commercial endorsement when the applicable requirements are met. ASA’s certification system, on the other hand, is primarily designed around recreational sailing.
If your goal is simply to become a knowledgeable and confident recreational sailor, either ASA or RYA may be a good fit. If your long-term goal is to pursue professional or commercial sailing, the RYA pathway may make more sense.
Do I Need ASA or RYA Certification to Sail My Own Boat?
No. If you are buying a sailboat, formal ASA or RYA certification is not universally required simply to own and operate your own vessel. However, the rules that apply to operating a boat can vary depending on your location, vessel and local regulations.
If you have little experience and intend to buy a cruising monohull or catamaran, your insurance company may also require training and instruction before providing coverage or allowing you to operate the vessel independently.
To get a good foundation and learn the basics, sailing certifications are an excellent place to start. Then, once you have taken possession of your yacht, you might consider hiring a qualified captain who is familiar with your type of vessel to provide onboard training aboard your new boat. Depending on your experience and insurance requirements, your insurer may want a captain to sign off on your ability to operate the vessel.
This can be particularly valuable for new catamaran owners. Learning aboard your own boat gives you the opportunity to become comfortable with its specific systems, sail handling, docking and maneuvering.
Do I Need Sailing Certification to Charter a Yacht?
If you intend to do some chartering of different sailing yachts prior to purchasing, then certification would certainly be a great place to start.
Charter requirements vary by destination and charter company, and certification alone may not always be enough. Some operators may also want to see a sailing resume or other proof of experience before allowing you to skipper a yacht.
But chartering can also be an excellent way to build experience before buying. A great way to find out which boat suits you best is to spend a week aboard your top contenders in the Mediterranean, Caribbean or somewhere even more exotic!
Should You Choose ASA or RYA?
There isn’t one sailing certification that’s right for everyone. The better option depends on where you live, where you plan to sail and what you ultimately want to accomplish.
If your primary goal is recreational sailing and you are based in the United States, ASA may be a natural choice because of its presence among U.S. sailing schools. If you plan to sail extensively internationally or are interested in eventually pursuing professional or commercial qualifications, RYA may be worth considering.
But don’t overlook the point we started with: the quality of your instructor and the amount of real-world experience you gain on the water matter just as much as the organization behind your certification.
Whichever route you choose, formal instruction can give you the foundation you need to continue building your skills and confidence on the water.
Learning to Sail Before Buying a Catamaran
For many sailors, learning to sail is ultimately the first step toward yacht ownership.
If your goal is eventually to own a cruising catamaran, certification can help you develop a foundation in navigation, sail handling, safety and seamanship. From there, gaining experience aboard different vessels can help you better understand what you want from your future boat.
Once you purchase a catamaran, training aboard your specific vessel can also be invaluable. Working with an experienced captain can help you become comfortable with docking, maneuvering, sail handling and the onboard systems you’ll use while cruising.
For sailors considering catamaran ownership, exploring today’s Leopard Sailing Catamaran Range can also provide a better understanding of the layouts, features and onboard systems found aboard modern cruising catamarans.
Where Do I Start?
Cruising forums can be a good starting point. Ask your fellow sailors for their opinions and weigh the pros and cons. You can also research ASA and RYA directly to learn more about their current courses, certification pathways and training centers.
There are also plenty of other reputable sources out there for learning how to sail. Offshore Sailing, for one, has an excellent reputation.
Again, the key is to do your research, find a qualified instructor and decide which path makes the most sense for your sailing goals.
